Wild cat and domestic cat: domestication or taming ?

This study point out the relationship between wild cat and domestic cat correlating the craniometric data of wild cats from literature to those from bone remains of the Museum of Veterinary Anatomy (University of Pisa). The morphological and morphometrical features closely associated with behavioral attitudes confirm the hypothesis that the cat would be considered as a taming animal

Células Ganglionares de la Retina en Aves Rapaces Strigidae: Distribución y Morfometría

SUMMARY: The authors studied the morphometry and the topographical distribution of Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) in four nocturnal raptors of the order of Strigiformes, family of Strigidae: little owl, tawny owl, scops owl, eared owl. In order to recognize specialized retinal vision areas (fovea and visual streak), the number of RGCs/mm2 and the soma size in the four retinal fields (dorsal, ventral, temporal and nasal) by the histological analysis of retinal radial sections were recorded. A temporal fovea was identified in little owl, tawny owl and eared owl while in scops owl this visual area was localized near the fundus oculi. A radial visual streak ventrally directed was pointed out in the retinas of the four raptors with different shape according to its width. The Authors linked the obtained data with the predatory behavior of nocturnal raptors in their habitat. RESUMEN: Se estudió la morfometría y la distribución topográfica de las células ganglionares de la retina (CGR) en cuatro aves rapaces nocturnas del orden de los Strigiformes, familia Strigidae: búho pequeño, mochuelo, autillo, y cárabo. Con el objetivo de definir las áreas de visión retiniana especializadas (fóvea y campo visual), se registró el número de CGRs/mm2 y el tamaño del soma en los cuatro campos retinianos (dorsal, ventral, temporal y nasal), mediante análisis histológico de las secciones radiales de la retina. Se identificó una fóvea temporal en mochuelo, búho leonado y búho pequeño, mientras que en el búho real, esta área visual se localizó cerca del fondo de ojo. Se observó un campo radial visual dirigido ventralmente en las retinas de las cuatro aves rapaces, con diferentes formas según su extensión. Se relacionaron los datos obtenidos con el comportamiento predatorio de aves rapaces nocturnas en su hábitat

Number and topographical distribution of retinal ganglion cells in diurnal and nocturnal raptors

Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) in two diurnal raptors, the buzzard (Buteo buteo) and kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and in two nocturnal raptors, the little owl (Athene noctua) and tawny owl (Strix aluco), were studied in order to highlight their topographical distribution, taking into account the soma size. Cell density (RGCs/mm2) and median soma area from histological radial sections in four retinal fields (dorsal, ventral, temporal and nasal) were recorded in order to identify specialized retinal vision areas. The results showed a different RGCs distribution between diurnal and nocturnal raptors related to the location of the foveas and shape of the horizontal streak, confirming the bibliographic data. In diurnal raptors, a higher cell density was found in the temporal and central retinal fields as revealed by the presence of a temporal and a central fovea which showed a “horizontal streak”. In nocturnal raptors the cell density was higher in the peripheral temporal field likely due to a temporal fovea. A peak in cell density observed in the ventral field, especially in the retina of little owls, might be linked to a more “radial visual streak”. Comparing the data obtained we highlighted that the morphology and the number of RGCs are closely linked to the habitat and to the type of predatio

Preferential epithelial expression of type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) in the developing canine embryo

The use of cannabinoid receptor agonists is gaining a strong interest both in human and veterinary medicine. The potential use of cannabimimetic compounds in companion animals was reviewed in 2007 for their role in tissue inflammation and pain. A better knowledge of type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) expression on the target population may help in risk management in order to prevent unwanted side effects. We used 30-days old canine embryos to describe the distribution of CB1R by means of immunohistochemistry with a commercially available antibody.CB1R immunoreactivity was mainly epithelial and included most structures of central and peripheral nervous system, inner ear, olfactory epithelium and related structures, eye and thyroid. Further investigative research on the role of the endocannabinoid system in the developmental biology field is needed, however, we show that in the canine species we must consider pregnancy as risk condition for developmental abnormalities that may arise upon the use of CB1R receptor agonists

Morphological study of the iris musculature in diurnal and nocturnal raptors

In literature it is established that the iris musculature consists of striate muscle fibers in birds while in mammals it consists of smooth muscles. Some authors report the presence of smooth muscle tissue also in the iris of some species of birds. In the present study we report on the iris muscle tissues (type of tissue, direction and mean diameter of muscle fibers or cells) in five species of Accipitriformes (diurnal raptors) and four species of Strigiformes (nocturnal raptors) because they show different way of life depending of their predatory behavior. This morphological study was carried out from raptors died or euthanized at the Wild Life Rescue Centre of Sea and Water birds in Livorno (Italy). From histological examination of iris serial radial sections we find both striated and smooth musculature even if with marked differences among analyzed species, not directly correlated with diurnal or nocturnal lifestyle. Striated fibers are always present, mainly with cross direction, throughout the iris stroma, while the histological differences concern the smooth cells. Indeed, harrier and sparrow hawk (Accipitriformes) and great horned owl and little owl (Strigiformes) show a compact layer of cross smooth muscle cells throughout the iris stroma. In the other species analyzed smooth muscle cells are slightly detectable as scattered or not detectable. Since the cross smooth muscle tissue allows to maintain a myotic state for extended periods of time, our results might be correlated more to the predatory behavior than the taxonomic order

Spheroids from equine amnion mesenchymal stem cells: an in vitro study

Background: Equine amnion mesenchymal stem cells (EAMSCs) from amnion isolated after the foal birth represented an alternative source of easy collection of mesenchymal cells used in equine regenerative medicine. Methods: These cells grown as 2D culture in α-MEM medium supplemented with EGF were differentiated in adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic cells. Half a million cells as pellet were left in 15ml tubes with the same differentiation media for 20 days. After the pellets were collected, embedded in paraffin for morphological study. Results: 2D culture showed EAMSCs with an embryonic phenotype (C-kit+, CD105+, Oct-4+) and a differentiation potential in adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic multipotent cells. By a reproducible method of 3D culture, at day 20 the Authors evidenced a formation of small aggregated spheroids gradually gathering. In cross sections the surface of spheroid evidenced flattened cells embedded in a red matrix by Alizarin staining and occasionally a core of calcium precipitation. A network of apoptotic or necrotic cells in a not mineralized matrix was present into the center of nodules. The 3D spheroids appeared larger (mean diameter of 605±53 µm for gathering spheroids and 1486±79 µm for spheroids already gathered) than those from standard monolayer cultures (mean diameter of 200 ± 73 µm). Conclusions: EAMSCs cultured in 3D method preserve their in vitro multipotent differentiation than adherent 2D culture method. These EAMSCs included in extracellular matrix not mineralized at day 20 seem to be a good source of MSCs for tissue repair and regeneration in equine medicine

Histological discrimination of fresh and frozen/thawed fish meat: European hake (Merluccius merluccius) as a possible model for white meat fish species

The present study aimed at setting up a standard operating histological procedure to discriminate fresh from frozen-thawed fish products of the species Merluccius merluccius (European hake). A preliminary histological analysis of fresh M. merluccius muscle was performed to select the sampling site and highlight possible time-dependent tissue alterations during shelf-life. To set a suitable operational grid for discriminating the freezing process, morphological and morphometrical parameters were assessed on 90 muscle tissue samples collected from 30 fresh, 30 experimentally frozen at -20°31 C and 30 Individual Quick Frozen (IQF) specimens of M. merluccius. Structural score, presence of freezing vacuoles, a number of vacuoles per field higher than 1.12 and the presence of interstitial proteinaceous material, which had achieved statistical significance in group comparisons were chosen as freezing markers. Accuracy and repeatability, assessed on the analysis of two independent operators (on-training and expert), showed high analytical specificity and sensitivity and a concordant diagnostic performance regardless the operators expertise. The grid was finally validated by a single blind test on 30 additional M. merluccius commercial products and allowed the allocation of all the samples to fresh or frozen status without inconclusive results. The method could be profitably applied against fraudulent adulteration practices

Tailored star poly (ε-caprolactone) wet-spun scaffolds for in vivo regeneration of long bone critical size defects

One of the most challenging requirements of a successful bone tissue engineering approach is the development of scaffolds specifically tailored to individual tissue defects. Besides materials chemistry, well-defined scaffold’s structural features at the micro- and macro-levels are needed for optimal bone in-growth. In this study, polymeric fibrous scaffolds with a controlled internal network of pores and modelled on the anatomical shape and dimensions of a critical size bone defect in a rabbit’s radius model were developed by employing a computer-aided wet-spinning technique. The tailored scaffolds made of star poly(ε caprolactone) or star poly(ε-caprolactone)– hydroxyapatite composite material were implanted into 20-mm segmental defects created in radial diaphysis of New Zealand white rabbits. Bone regeneration and tissue response were assessed by X-rays and histological analysis at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. No signs of macroscopic and microscopic inflammatory reactions were detected, and the developed scaffolds showed a good ability to support and promote the bone regeneration process. However, no significant differences in osteoconductivity were observed between star poly(ε-caprolactone) and star poly(ε-caprolactone)–hydroxyapatite scaffolds. Long-term study on implanted star poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds confirmed the presence of signs of bone regeneration and remodelling, particularly evident at 24 weeks

Different media and supplements modulate the clonogenic and expansion properties of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background -</p> <p>Rabbits provide an excellent model for many animal and human diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, for the development of new vaccines in wound healing management and in the field of tissue engineering of tendon, cartilage, bone and skin.</p> <p>The study presented herein aims to investigate the biological properties of bone marrow rabbit MSCs cultured in different conditions, in order to provide a basis for their clinical applications in veterinary medicine.</p> <p>Findings -</p> <p>MSCs were isolated from 5 New Zealand rabbits. Fold increase, CFU number, doubling time, differentiation ability and immunophenotype were analyzed.</p> <p>With the plating density of 10 cells/cm²the fold increase was significantly lower with DMEM-20%FCS and MSCs growth was significantly higher with αMEM-hEGF. The highest clonogenic ability was found at 100 cell/cm²with MSCBM and at 10 cell/cm²with M199. Both at 10 and 100 cells/cm², in αMEM medium, the highest CFU increase was obtained by adding bFGF. Supplementing culture media with 10%FCS-10%HS determined a significant increase of CFU.</p> <p>Conclusion -</p> <p>Our data suggest that different progenitor cells with differential sensitivity to media, sera and growth factors exist and the choice of culture conditions has to be carefully considered for MSC management.</p

Desmoglein 1 in ovine muzzle skin detected by immunohistochemistryand immunoblotting

SUMMARY Desmosomes are epithelial adhesion structures that assure the mechanical cell-cell adhesion, by linking the intermediate filaments of two adjacent cells. Several proteins have been characterised as component of these structures and, among them, desmogleins are known to be the autoantigens in some autoimmune diseases that go by the name of pemphigus complex diseases. In particular Desmoglein 1 is the targeted antigen in Pemphigus foliaceus. This study aims at revealing the presence of Desmoglein 1 in the ovine muzzle skin using a commercial monoclonal antibody, raised against human desmoglein-1, on samples obtained from sheep muzzle. Immunohistochemical analyses (streptavidin-peroxidase method) and immunoblotting analyses (chemiluminescence method) have been performed. Immunohistochemical evaluation allowed for detection of a pericellular staining of keratinocyte cell membranes in the spinous and the basal layers of epidermis. A positive immunoreaction was obtained when the anti-Dsg-1 antibody was reacted with human cheek epidermis used as positive control. Specificity of the immune reaction was confirmed by the lack of staining in samples incubated with the anti-vimentin antibody used as negative control. Densitometric analyses of the chemiluminescence film showed three bands. One of them could be referred to Desmoglein 1, the second one to Desmoglein 3 and the last one to a Desmoglein-Plakoglobin complex. RIASSUNTO I desmosomi sono strutture di adesione tipiche dei tessuti epiteliali che connettono i filamenti intermedi del citoscheletro di due cellule adiacenti, assicurando la loro adesione meccanica. Tra le proteine che compongono queste strutture, le desmogleine sono note come antigene target in alcune malattie autoimmuni riunite sotto il nome di malattie del complesso del pemfigo. La desmogleina 1, in particolare, si comporta da auto antigene nel pemfigo foliaceo. Lo scopo della presente ricerca è stato quello di mettere in evidenza questa proteina su campioni di cute prelevate da musello di pecora con l’utilizzo di un anticorpo monoclonale indotto contro la desmogleina 1 dell’uomo. Su di essi sono state condotte indagini immunoistochimiche (metodo streptavidina-perossidasi) e di immunoblotting (metodo della chemiluminescenza). L’indagine immunoistochimica ha rilevato una distribuzione della proteina uniforme e pericellulare negli strati basale e spinoso dell’epidermide. La reazione positiva si è ottenuta anche su cute di guancia di uomo usata come controllo positivo. La specificità del test è stata confermata dall’assenza di positività in campioni incubati con un anticorpo antivimentina, utilizzato come controllo negativo. L’indagine di immunoblotting ha evidenziato tre bande di cui una potrebbe corrispondere alla desmogleina 1, la seconda alla desmogleina 3 e la terza ad un complesso Desmogleina-Placoglobina